About Us

Strengthening Christian Institutions for Reconciliation

Reach Us

The Beginning


The Great Lakes Initiative (GLI) began in 2006 as a gathering of Christian leaders from seven countries in the Great Lakes Region of East Africa. The GLI focus countries are: Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania. Most of these countries have known unrest, ethnic violence and internal strife in one way or another over many years.

There was a felt need for Christians to come together as ambassadors of Christ’s ministry of reconciliation. Four gatherings between 2006-2010 were co-convened through a partnership of Duke University’s Center for Reconciliation (CFR), Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), African Leadership and Reconciliation Ministries (ALARM) and World Vision International (WVI). In 2011, the gatherings transformed into the first annual Leadership Institute. In January 2015, it attained legal registration as a non-profit entity in Uganda.

Who we are

GLI is a network of Christian organisations working towards peace and reconciliation in seven countries of the Great Lakes Region of East Africa. For over a decade, GLI has provided a space for reflection, renewal and refreshment for Christian leaders. GLI is governed by a multi-national board of directors. The day-to-day administrative work is managed by a Regional Coordinator supporting by an able secretariat comprising accomplished professionals. Together they work to provide leadership in translating and communicating the mission and vision of the GLI to a regional and global audience so as to represent GLI and listen to the key issues, concerns and opportunities for the GLI. The team also supports in-country, inter-country and regional programs or initiatives.

What we do

GLI is a network of Christian organisations working towards peace and reconciliation in seven countries of the Great Lakes Region of East Africa. For over a decade, GLI has provided a space for reflection, renewal and refreshment for Christian leaders. GLI is governed by a multi-national board of directors. The day-to-day administrative work is managed by a Regional Coordinator supporting by an able secretariat comprising accomplished professionals. Together they work to provide leadership in translating and communicating the mission and vision of the GLI to a regional and global audience so as to represent GLI and listen to the key issues, concerns and opportunities for the GLI. The team also supports in-country, inter-country and regional programs or initiatives.

How the Work is Supported

The four founding partners have been and continue to be the primary funders of the GLI. In its first year of legal existence, GLI was able to receive funding from an anonymous US Foundation to cover start-up costs and deepen regional rootedness. GLI has been able to achieve a measure of regional rootedness through expanded CWG representation on the Content and Design Team. This team ensures that the content, DNA, methodology and design of the GLI Institute is shared, internalized and applied by a growing cadre of Christian leaders in each country.

How we link and partner with other peace actors

CWGs in each of the Great Lakes Countries partners with other actors in their own areas in context specific ways. Seeking to pursue peace and make lasting impact in the lives of millions who yearn for peace, CWG leaders are committed to transformative leadership, have exhibited it in their work for peace and reconciliation in their own context and in collaboration with other leaders in the region. Additionally CWG members are a resource pool for future Faculty for the annual regional Institutes. The successes of CWGs is celebrated at the regional annual Institute. Thus, CWGs are inspired and motivated by stories of hope and transformation from other contexts. GLI continues to impress its footprint in the region even through the soon to be launched Christian Theology of Reconciliation Curriculum that will become a teaching resource in African seminaries and Christian institution of higher learning.

Our Partners